Tool Multi-arc Ion Plating PVD Coating Machine

Tool Multi-arc Ion Plating PVD Coating Machine for tools is a multi-arc ion PVD system designed specifically for cutting tools and precision molds.

It serves as a primary model for tool coating applications.

Tool Multi-arc Ion Plating PVD Coating Machine is an optimized device designed to improve the performance of tools (especially cutting tools, molds, etc.).

Its core goal is to deposit one or more layers of thin films (such as TiN, TiAlN, CrN, AlCrN, DLC, etc.) with extremely high hardness, wear resistance, low friction coefficient and good chemical stability on the tool surface, thereby significantly extending the tool life, improving processing efficiency and improving the surface quality of the workpiece.

Principle

A cathodic arc discharge is ignited within a high-vacuum chamber, ionizing the target metal under the action of the arc. With a bias voltage applied to the workpiece, metal ions combine with reactive gases to deposit a dense, hard coating onto the tool surface. Equipped with a low-temperature ion-assisted source, the system supports a cold-coating process performed at ambient temperature.

Low-temperature ion-assisted cold coating process
Equipped with a low-temperature ion-assisted source as standard, the system enables direct film formation at ambient temperature without the need for workpiece preheating. This saves energy and eliminates the risk of high-temperature deformation or tempering-induced softening in high-speed steel and small, precision cutting tools.

Wider coating scope,supports mainstream cutting tool coatings
Capable of stably depositing a full range of hard tool coatings, including TiN, TiCN, TiAlN, AlCrN, CrN, DLC, and diamond-like carbon (DLC) films.

Planetary revolution and rotation tooling system
The interior of the cavity is equipped with a planetary rotating fixture, and the cutting tools realize synchronous rotation and revolution motion. The cutting edges and internal grooves of drill bits, micro milling cutters, taps, and toothed tools can obtain a uniform film layer with good film thickness consistency.

Vacuum Chamber
The chamber is constructed from water-cooled SUS304 stainless steel.

Vacuum system
The vacuum unit is equipped with Roots pump + mechanical pump combination, which has fast vacuum pumping speed and stable vacuum degree.

Fully automatic PLC and touchscreen control system, process recipes can be stored.

 

Cutting Tool Industry
Carbide milling cutters, twist drills, taps, reamers, broaches, gear cutting tools, and micro-precision cutting tools.

 

Mold and Die Industry
Stamping dies, cold-working dies, and forming molds, enhances wear resistance and anti-adhesion properties.

 

Other Applications
Precision automotive components (pistons, piston rings), precision medical instruments, and various precision wear-resistant hardware parts.

Tool Multi-arc Ion Plating PVD Coating Machine for tool coating is a key equipment for improving the performance of core tools in modern manufacturing.

Its low-temperature deposition, high hardness, excellent bonding strength, good thermal stability, complex shape coverage and environmental protection characteristics make it widely used in cutting tools, forming molds and various wear-resistant parts.

By depositing high-performance hard coatings, it can significantly extend the life of tools, improve processing efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce comprehensive production costs. 

High hardness and wear resistance
The hardness of the deposited hard coating is very high, much higher than that of the tool base material (such as high-speed steel, cemented carbide).
It greatly improves the tool's ability to resist wear (abrasive wear, adhesive wear), extends its service life by several times or even more than ten times.

Excellent film-base bonding
Ensures a strong metallurgical bond or mechanical bite between the coating and the tool substrate to prevent the coating from peeling off under heavy load, impact or high temperature.

Good thermal stability and oxidation resistance

Common coatings (such as TiAlN and AlCrN with high Al content) can still maintain high hardness and oxidation resistance at high temperatures (up to 800-900°C), and are particularly suitable for high-heat applications such as high-speed dry cutting.

Low friction coefficient

The coating surface is smooth and has a low friction coefficient (such as DLC coating), which reduces cutting force, reduces friction heat, inhibits the formation of built-up edge, improves chip removal, and improves processing accuracy and surface finish.

Low temperature deposition process
The temperature of PVD process is relatively low 
It can prevent the tool substrate (especially high-speed steel) from softening, deforming or generating internal stress due to high temperature tempering, and maintain the original strength and toughness of the substrate. This is one of the core advantages of PVD in the field of tool plating.

Film uniformity and complex shape coverage
By optimizing the cathode (target) layout, workpiece holder design (revolving planetary holder) and process parameters, we ensure that a coating with uniform thickness and consistent performance is obtained on the surface of complex-shaped tools (such as milling cutters with cutting edges, drills, gear hobs, and deep-cavity molds).